ESTABLISHED BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS 9 JULY 1918 (AMENDED BY ACT OF 25 JULY 1963) AND AWARDED BY THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

SILVER STAR MEDAL

PRESENTED TO
EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL TECHNICIAN FIRST CLASS
JEFFREY THOMAS
UNITED STATES NAVY

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician First Class Jeffrey Thomas, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy on 20 and 21 October 2016, while serving with Special Operations Task Force-North in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. While conducting combined clearance operations, Petty Officer Thomas’ element became engaged in a 10-hour firefight with forces of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Throughout the battle he continuously maneuvered through heavy small arms, rocket-propelled grenade, and mortar fire in order to engage the enemy and clear paths for this teammates. After the element was ordered to break contact, the lead vehicle in the convoy struck one of seven daisy-chained improvised explosive devices, severely wounding a teammate. Despite enemy mortar and small arms fire impacting near him, Petty Officer Thomas exited his vehicle and swept the vicinity for additional explosive devices. This enabled medics to maneuver to the damaged vehicle and provide critical combat care to the casualty. Petty Officer Thomas then guided the remaining vehicles out of the minefield, ensuring all forces safely reached the medical evacuation landing zone. By his bold actions, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer Thomas reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Verse of the Day

Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Athletes who Served

Joe Bellino earned the Heisman Trophy in 1960 for the Naval Academy then began his active service commitment. Participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis and served three tours in Vietnam before playing for the Washington Redskins and the AFL’s Boston Patriots.